WHAT IS A COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION (CBO)?

Definition of community based organization

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is typically a non-profit entity that operates within a specific community or geographical area, aiming to address local needs and improve the well-being of its residents. CBOs typically focus on issues impacting the community such as healthcare, education, social services, housing, and community development.  Examples of these community organizations include local food banks, youth mentoring programs, neighborhood associations, churches and immigrant support centers. 

Why are community based organizations important? 

CBOs play a crucial role in complementing government efforts by providing tailored services and programs that cater to the unique needs of local communities. They act as a bridge between governments and residents, offering grassroots insights and implementing initiatives that may be more responsive and effective than centralized government programs alone.

Best Practice: how CBOs can support community engagement 

Here are just a few reasons why CBO partnerships are so valuable to state and local governments: 

Localized Expertise 

CBOs often possess deep knowledge of local community dynamics, cultural nuances, and specific needs. Governments can leverage this expertise to tailor communication strategies and engagement initiatives that resonate with residents on a grassroots level, leading to more effective outreach and participation.

Trust and Accessibility 

CBOs are often seen as trusted entities within their communities, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Governments can partner with CBOs to disseminate information, gather feedback, and facilitate dialogue in a manner that is accessible and inclusive.  Through this collaboration, residents who may be marginalized or hard to reach through traditional government channels become possible. 

Community Mobilization 

CBOs have the capacity to mobilize community members around shared goals and initiatives. Governments can collaborate with CBOs to mobilize residents for civic engagement activities, such as town hall meetings, community forums, or volunteer projects.  

Watch our 30 minute session with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to see how their agency fostered collaboration across state using our CBO Network.

The key difference between a CBO and a private business

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are guided by a mission to serve their communities and create social impact, contrasting with private businesses that prioritize profit and shareholder interests. CBOs sustain their operations through government grants, donations, and fundraising, whereas private businesses generate revenue from sales. Additionally, CBOs are governed by boards of directors or trustees representing the community, whereas private businesses are managed by shareholders and corporate executives.

What are alternative names for community-based organizations?

With various ways to categorize or define these organizations, here are some common names by which CBOs are known. 

1. 1. Nonprofit organizations: Entities that operate for purposes other than generating profit, often focusing on serving the needs of communities or advancing social causes.
   2. Grassroots organizations: Typically small, locally based groups that organize around specific social or political issues, often emphasizing bottom-up decision-making and community involvement.
   3. Local community groups: Organizations formed by residents of a specific geographical area to address local concerns, promote civic engagement, or provide community services.
   4. Civic organizations: Groups dedicated to improving society through advocacy, community service, and participation in civic affairs, often focusing on issues like education, democracy, and public health.
   5. Social service agencies: Organizations that provide a range of support services to individuals and families in need, such as counseling, housing assistance, and food aid.
   6. Neighborhood associations: Voluntary groups made up of residents of a particular neighborhood or community, typically focused on improving the quality of life in their area through various initiatives and advocacy efforts.
   7. Community development groups: Organizations focused on promoting economic, social, and environmental development within specific communities, often through initiatives like affordable housing, job training, and infrastructure improvements.
   8. Charitable organizations: Nonprofit entities dedicated to philanthropic activities, including fundraising, grantmaking, and direct provision of aid or services to individuals or communities in need.

How governments can leverage CBO to support the community

Governments can enhance resident engagement and outcomes using the following approaches: 

Partnerships 

Collaborating with CBOs to co-design and implement community engagement strategies that leverage the CBOs’ existing relationships and deep understanding of local needs and preferences.

Information Sharing

Sharing relevant data and resources with CBOs to facilitate informed decision-making and align efforts towards common goals.

Capacity Building

Investing in capacity-building initiatives for CBOs, including training programs, technical assistance, and grant opportunities, to strengthen their ability to serve the community effectively.

By leveraging relationships with CBOs, governments can foster trust, inclusivity, and meaningful participation among residents, leading to more responsive and sustainable community outcomes.

Identify and Manage Relationships with PublicInput 

Engaging citizens requires a customized approach based on the needs and dynamics of a given community or project area.  PublicInput’s CBO Network and CBO Module helps state and local governments identify and manage their relationships with local organizations.  

PublicInput’s CBO solutions eliminates silos and builds a system of record that matures with each engagement.  Here are just a few ways governments can benefit: 

• • • The PublicInput CBO Module helps to efficiently manage detailed organizational information, including geographical areas served and key contacts.
    • The PublicInput CBO Network provides access to a database of over 500,000 community-based organizations, categorized using a standardized taxonomy.

Want to learn more about how to find the community groups you need and get the word out to your residents, quickly?